WASHINGTON, D.C.—Next Fifteen Group, parent of technology PR specialists Text 100 and Bite Communications, is supporting the launch of 463 Communications, a new firm dedicated to positioning technology companies, organizations and coalitions in global policy debates. The firm has opened offices in Washington, D.C., and San Francisco and is creating a network of partners in Europe and Asia through its relationship with Next Fifteen.

Founding partners of the new firm include Tom Galvin, formerly vice president of public affairs at VeriSign; Sean Garrett, who helped launch technology industry lobbying group TechNet and led its communications efforts for its first two years; and Jim Hock, a veteran of Capitol Hill veteran, who was press secretary, speechwriter and spokesman to Sen. Dianne Feinstein.

“The Internet and telecommunications sector is coming under increasing regulatory pressure,” says Tim Dyson, CEO of Next Fifteen and the new chairman of the Board of 463 Communications. “The outcomes of policy debates such as RFID, cyber security, VOIP and broadband will determine the success of high-tech companies over the next decade.”

“The people at 463 are the best in the business. This team knows policy, knows technology and knows how to communicate for results in the public policy process,” says Rick White, CEO and president of TechNet “TechNet has worked with several PR agencies and no other understands Silicon Valley and Washington as well.”

In addition to TechNet, 463 Communications is already working with several leaders of the Innovation Economy, including VeriSign and the Computer Systems Policy Project.“What is unique about 463 Communications is that we are just as comfortable discussing technology in Silicon Valley as we are debating politics and policy in Washington, DC,” said 463 partner Tom Galvin. “We are the first firm solely devoted to advancing high-tech interests before governments and policy makers.”

As part of its alliance with Next Fifteen, 463 will also work with other Next Fifteen companies, including Bite Communications, Text100 and AugustOne. “Through our strong relationship with Next Fifteen we will be able to provide significant policy expertise and communications strategy internationally,” said Hock. “This is crucial because technology policy issues are rising in importance before the European Union and Asian governments every day.”